Expression of Interest – Self-identified perspectives

The expression of interest is now closed. The response had been tremendous. The Summit organizers will be in touch with everyone that applied before February 15, 2019. If you have any questions, please email summit@casda.ca

The Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS or Summit) provides an opportunity for leaders from across Canada, including service providers; families; self-advocates; researchers and policy-makers, to share information about provincial diversity, national initiatives, community-based services, research and advancing a National ASD Strategy. Post-Summit surveys have routinely indicated that one of the most appreciated aspects of the Summit is hearing from individuals living on the autism spectrum.

This year we would like to welcome a number of individuals with autism and family of autistic individuals to participate in the 2019 Summit. Potential agenda items for this year’s Summit are federal health policy, self-advocate engagement, individuals with complex mental and physical health conditions, indigenous leadership, health system impact, innovative research and exceptional resources. Opportunities for participation may include providing opening or closing remarks, introducing a speaker, or introducing or participating in a session. Participation could include in person attendance, providing pre-recorded video, providing written remarks or contributing a graphic representation (i.e. cartoon). The goal is to incorporate MORE first voice perspectives into the Summit than ever before.

The organizing committee has put together these 4 BIG IDEAS to consider before submitting an expression of interest.

BIG IDEAS:

What does a national autism strategy mean to you?

What do we need consensus on for a national autism strategy?

What are the changes that need to occur?

When you come to the 2030 Summit what will we be talking about?

We have developed an online form to help collect and organize expressions of interest. The deadline to express your interest in participating in the Summit is midnight, Pacific Time on Sunday, February 3rd. If you are interested in participating in the Summit but do not want to use the online form, please send your contact information to summit@casda.ca and a member of the planning committee will be in touch with you. The Summit has a relatively small budget and limited funds are available to support travel.

A note re: language – There are varied preferences in the autism community regarding the use language. The Canadian Autism Leadership Summit Planning Committee appreciates that language is personal and evolving. We understand that some people will associate with the concept of self-identified while others will appreciate being referred to as a self-advocate. There are also varied preferences in the autism community regarding the use of ‘person first’ and ‘identify first’ language. We aim to be inclusive and use language that represents a variety of perspectives.

The expression of interest is now closed. The response had been tremendous. The Summit organizers will be in touch with everyone that applied before February 15, 2019. If you have any questions, please email summit@casda.ca